Rugby Union Today: Loose Pass and Ashton frustration

Colin Newboult

Harlequins' Chris Ashton (left) and Sale Sharks' Will Cliff battle for the ball during the Gallagher Premiership match at Twickenham Stoop, London.

Another busy day in the rugby union game as Loose Pass returns to Planet Rugby to provide its unique take on several topics in the sport.

What’s on the site

Loose Pass discusses Duhan van der Merwe’s move to Worcester Warriors in this week’s column and also looks at the controversial incident from the Pro D2 on Friday when Josaia Raisuqe was sent off for picking up referee Laurent Millotte.

Elsewhere, the Ospreys have strengthened their squad by signing Wales international tighthead prop Tomas Francis from defending English and European champions Exeter Chiefs.

Finally, France have named their squad for the Six Nations. Star wing Damian Penaud returns, while three uncapped players are included, but there is no place for the injured Romain Ntamack and Cameron Woki.

What’s in the news

Chris Ashton is not happy about the two-week break imposed by Premiership Rugby. Following the decision to suspend the European competitions, many thought that domestic games in England would be rescheduled to fill the calendar, but the governing body decided against it.

Premiership Rugby’s attitude is in stark contrast to the PRO14, who have rearranged the Glasgow v Edinburgh and Munster v Leinster encounters for the next couple of weeks.

What’s on social media

You don’t want to mess with Joe Tekori and Marcos Kremer knows it.

What’s on TV

After the suspension of the European competitions and Premiership Rugby’s decision not to reschedule matches, there is unfortunately very little rugby on TV this weekend.

There is, however, Glasgow Warriors’ derby clash against Edinburgh after the PRO14 took advantage of the free weekend to rearrange that encounter and it will be on Premier Sports.